Genre: Western/supernatural
Logline: Blending the rugged landscapes of the wild west with a supernatural twist, “The Mark of Asmodeus” follows Dr. Mike Templeton, a skeptical minister and doctor, as he confronts his disbelief in the supernatural amidst a series of chilling, fatal events in a violent town when he encounters a malevolent spirit named Asmodeus.
Act 1:
Dr. Mike Templeton, a highly educated and rational man, finds himself in a lawless town riddled with violence. Serving as both minister and doctor, he remains steadfast in his skepticism towards religious mysticism and the supernatural. When a desperate prostitute named Mary claims her son is possessed by demons, Mike dismisses her beliefs as superstitious nonsense.
As Mary’s son’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and destructive, Mike attributes it to insanity due to syphlis inhirited at birth. He faces challenges from both the townsfolk who hold traditional beliefs and from his own internal struggle to reconcile his education with the inexplicable events unfolding before him.
Act 2:
Despite Mike’s attempts to provide medical care and rational explanations, the boy’s malevolent actions intensify. The church is set ablaze, and a string of heinous crimes ensues, including murder. The boy, claiming to be Asmodeus, is eventually apprehended and hanged. As he dies, he mocks Mike’s skepticism and challenges his beliefs.
Haunted by the boy’s last words, Mike embarks on a journey to understand the inexplicable forces at play. He encounters Lewis, a seemingly friendly man who engages him in a deep theological discussion about the Apocrypha and hidden truths. However, Mike’s conversation takes a sinister turn when he learns that Lewis is suspected of heinous crimes, including murdering his own family.
Act 3:
Mike’s life takes an unexpected turn as he grapples with the possibility that Asmodeus is more than a mere superstition. Driven by a newfound purpose, Mike learns how to shoot and embarks on a quest to hunt down outlaws whom he believes bear the mark of Asmodeus. In his pursuit of vengeance, he crosses paths with both danger and redemption, confronting the darkness within himself and the shadowy forces that lurk in the wild west.
As he tracks down and eliminates outlaws one by one, Mike’s actions draw the attention of lawmen and outlaws alike. His journey leads to a climactic showdown in a lawless town, where the lines between reality and the supernatural become irrevocably blurred. Mike must confront the true nature of the malevolent force that calls itself Asmoeus and make a final, fateful decision that will shape the destiny of both himself and the wild west. When finally cornered by a sheriff and his deputy, the sheriff whispers ‘we’ve met before, I believe. My name is Asmodeus.”
